Landslides Disrupt Kiratpur-Manali Four-Lane, Halting Supplies to Kullu and Lahaul

The Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway, a vital artery connecting Kullu, Manali, and Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh, was shut down again due to relentless landslides near Char Mile in Mandi district. Despite being briefly restored on Sunday evening after a 26-hour closure, fresh debris triggered by heavy monsoon rains has disrupted traffic, stranding thousands of vehicles. The repeated closures have sparked concerns about accessibility and safety in the region.

KiratPur-Manali Highway Shut

The highway’s closure has left thousands of vehicles, including tourist buses and trucks carrying essential commodities like food and fuel, stranded on both sides of Char Mile. The disruption is particularly severe for Kullu, Manali, and Lahaul, where shops are reporting shortages of perishable goods. “We’ve been stuck for hours, and our supplies are at risk,” said a truck driver transporting vegetables. Tourists heading to Manali’s popular destinations are also facing delays, with many forced to halt their journeys.

Essential Supplies hit in Kullu

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working tirelessly to clear the debris, deploying excavators and manpower. However, continuous rockfalls and unstable terrain are hampering efforts. The Mandi district administration has issued an advisory urging commuters to avoid non-essential travel and use alternate routes like the Kamand-Kataula road, which is narrow and unsuitable for heavy vehicles. Police and local volunteers are assisting stranded travelers with water and basic amenities.

Thousands of Tourists Stranded

The Char Mile stretch, notorious for landslides during the monsoon, highlights the vulnerability of Himachal’s highways. Experts point to inadequate drainage systems and deforestation as aggravating factors. The administration is exploring long-term solutions, such as reinforced embankments, to prevent recurring disruptions.